Re-cert

The agency home finder came to re-cert us yesterday.  Everything looks good. I told her we were thinking about adoption again. A boy, between the ages of 15 and 36 months.  Our re-cert says we're certified for 2 but that's only for siblings. 

Sprouts brother is still home with bio mom and he's 18 months old now.  There is rumors she's selling drugs but no proof.  CPS has been called on her twice but the county she lives in is not very strict at all. He had a full cast on his leg for a broken ankle a month ago.  But I've kind of knives up hope he'll come into care.  Realistically, I don't know if I'd want to deal with bio mom again. So, Smiley leaves next week and we'll have room for 2 more. Only a God knows what the future holds.  

Still here...

Well, Smiley is still here. The agency worker called after court to tell me that he'll be staying until the SCR clearances come back for grandma.  Funny thing is, she is a state employee. So, I get to love on Smiley a bit longer.  His first tooth is finally coming through (bottom left) and he is much happier.  He is still chewing on everything and drooling a ton so I'm sure there's will be more teeth poking through soon. 

Court tomorrow...

I know I haven't posted much about Smiley.  He has been here since mid-May and he is such a happy baby.  He turned 8 months old while with us.  He is not yet sitting up or crawling.  His bio mom has court for him tomorrow and it looks like he'll be leaving to go live with paternal grandma. Bio mom will still have to work a case plan through the county and they will monitor her progress.  If I'm correct...paternal grandma will have to give the ok for Smiley to go home to bio mom.  I was told that paternal grandma was going to withdraw her petition for custody when bio mom was released from jail because she 'just didn't want Smiley in foster care".  Bio mom is very happy with him being with us.  So, tomorrow, after court I will get a phone call that either Smiley is meeting at D*S*S for a visit with bio mom and grandma OR he is going to live with grandma.  I'm ok.  I'll miss his Smile and loving on a baby but we all know they don't always stay. 

Content...

Little Train left a week ago tomorrow.  Smiley is still here and settling in well.  I LOVED having 3 boys to take care of and especially a playmate for my Sprout.  I know Little Train will thrive in his current foster home.  Smiley had his first visit with his mom outside of the walls of the county jail.  She seemed a bit frazzled but I can tell she loves her baby boy.  Not sure what will happen now that paternal grandma decided not to petition the court for custody of him.  Grandma wants bio mom to be with Smiley, she was only petitioning for custody to keep him out of foster care.  I think he'll be here for at least another few weeks.  Bio mom has a few things to get in order before the next court date. 

Merry Christmas!

It's like Christmas in May!  I love having a house FULL of boys!  Sprout, Little Train and Smiley are keeping me busy...but in a good way. I told the case worker that every morning when I wake up I have that 'Christmas morning' anticipation! The boys are getting  along well.  Little Train is supposed to go back to his foster home on Monday and I am definitely going to miss him.  His little personality is really coming out and he is such a happy boy.  He is just starting to walk and loves to explore.  He is trying really hard to keep up with Sprout. Smiley has been here a week today.  We are still figuring each other out.  He is a good eater and sleeps through the night.  Both Smiley and Little Train go to bed around 8pm.  Sprout gets some extra loving for another hour and then he's in bed around 9.  To be honest, I've been in bed at 10pm each night to make sure I get enough sleep to deal with these little men. 

Update on Smiley-  Looks like Smiley will be going to a paternal grandma.  He is 7 months old.  We are just waiting for a home study to be done on her and a background check to be done on her 'friend' who lives with her.  But I have no problem loving on his chubby little self until that time. 

My heart is so happy with all these BOYS in the house!  Looks like I might NEED some more 'keepers'.  :)

Day 2 with Smiley

So, I'll call him Smiley.  He's adjusting great.  There are times that he cries and I feel like he's grieving but then in 2 seconds flat he's smiling again.  I really like the fact that he came to us so close to the weekend and we've had time to bond before a busy week of appointments and possible visits.  Sprout is doing really well with him and Little Train is coming tomorrow to spend the week with us.  Full house..full heart. 

Got a call...

Phone rang today for a 7 mo old baby boy.  I said yes and picked him up 25 minutes later at DSS.  Such a chunky little bald boy!! I was told this is temporary (just a few weeks) but we all know how THAT goes.  Enjoying every minute with this new tiny human in our family.  Little Train is still coming for respite next week and it should be fun with Sprout (3), Little Train (15 mo) and this new baby boy (7 mo).  Let the adventures BEGIN!

P.S.- New baby boy needs a blog name.  Hmmm.  Any suggestions?!?!